Location
Spain
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
May to October
About Playa del Algarrobico
El Algarrobico is a long, open beach just under 4 km north of Carboneras in Almería, inside the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park and biosphere reserve. It runs for about 1.35 km and is made of gravel and sand, with generally calm water and few visitors. The Spanish Naturist Federation lists it as a beach of nudist tradition. The beach is best known for the unfinished hotel built on it in 2003: a 21-storey block with more than 400 rooms, standing about 14 metres from the sea on land the courts later ruled could not be developed. Environmental and naturist groups campaigned against it for years. In February 2025 the Spanish government announced it would expropriate the site to demolish the building; by 2026 the Andalusian regional government had taken the lead, and demolition still depended on Carboneras annulling the original licence. Away from the hotel the setting is wild and undeveloped.
Getting there
The beach lies off the road from Carboneras towards Mojácar (the federation gives it as the N-341), about 4 km from Carboneras and 17 km from Mojácar. It is an open, flat beach without formal paths, parking or facilities, so park considerately where the roadside allows and walk onto the sand. There is no lifeguard and no shade, and no public transport stops at the beach.
Legal context
Public nudity is not an offence in Spain, and the Spanish Naturist Federation (FEN) lists El Algarrobico as a beach of nudist tradition. There is no municipal naturist designation; the beach lies in a protected natural park, and the hotel on it has been ruled illegal and is slated for demolition (status as of 2026).
Naturism at Playa del Algarrobico sits under Spain's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Spain public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 37.0235, -1.8797
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Spain
Frequently asked questions
Is nudity accepted at El Algarrobico?
Yes. It is listed by the Spanish Naturist Federation as a nudist-tradition beach, though not officially designated.
What is the building on the beach?
An unfinished hotel built in 2003 that the courts ruled illegal. Its demolition was announced in 2025 but had not happened by 2026.
Are there facilities?
No. There are no bars, showers or lifeguards, so bring water and shade.
How do I get there?
It is about 4 km north of Carboneras on the road towards Mojácar.
Sources
- Playa de El Algarrobico - Federación Española de Naturismo Official
- Anuncio demolición Algarrobico - Ministerio de Hacienda (press release, 10 Feb 2025) Official
- El Gobierno anuncia que demolerá el hotel de la playa del Algarrobico - El Salto
- Andalucía toma las riendas de la demolición del Algarrobico - Vozpópuli
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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